SABR Analytics Certification

Whether you are a student or professional looking to set yourself apart as you break into the ultra-competitive baseball industry, or a broadcaster, coach, scout, or fan interested in gaining a better understanding of the present state and future of the game, the SABR Analytics Certification was created with you in mind.

The SABR Analytics Certification program is an online, on-demand curriculum offering professional development and learning opportunities for those interested in elevating their skills and knowledge relating to baseball analytics. The curriculum was developed by current baseball professionals, including employees of Major League Baseball and its clubs.

Click on a button below to find more details on our first two courses available online:

Level One Level Two

Courses advance through progressively deeper dives into the world of baseball data and analytics, with virtual instruction provided by industry thought leaders and the opportunity to present your own analysis to be reviewed by esteemed professionals. Upon completion of each course, participants will earn certification recognition to illustrate their learned proficiencies and separate themselves from others.

Courses

All virtual courses were developed by current baseball professionals, including employees of Major League Baseball and its clubs. They are offered on-demand, giving participants the ability to learn at their own pace.

Student learners progressing through the full curriculum will also be more prepared to participate in work showcases and high-profile competitions, like the Diamond Dollars Case Competition.

Level One
Conversational Analytics and Critical Thinking in Baseball

An introductory exploration of baseball data and analytics, including historical eras of analytics, descriptive vs. predictive data, metrics vs. statistics, key hitting, pitching, and fielding terms and practical applications of each, and player comparisons

Instructor: Jake Stone is the Director of Operations & Player Development at Penn State University. Jake has professional and collegiate baseball experience under his belt, working for the Baltimore Orioles and previously serving as the head student manager at the University of Iowa. In his roles, Stone demonstrated advanced knowledge of the cutting-edge player development technology that has proliferated through baseball and efficiently implemented the new systems to improve player development plans. He is also the creator of the popular website and YouTube channel Simple Sabermetrics. Follow Jake on Twitter @SimpleSaberBSB.
Availability: Open to all interested learners via guided on-demand video
Duration: 15 video modules, with total run time of just over two hours
Completion: Level One course completion requires a written player analysis which will be reviewed by a Baseball Prospectus staff writer
Cost: $125 for SABR members; $180 for non-members
Learn more: Frequently Asked Questions

SABR MEMBER REGISTRATION:

In addition to the incredible benefits of SABR membership, SABR members receive a significant discount on Analytics Certification course registrations. SABR members can sign up for the Level One course here. Note: You must be signed into your SABR account to receive your membership discount.

NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION:

While SABR members receive significant discounts on Analytics Certification courses, non-members are welcome to participate. However, we encourage you to explore the benefits of SABR membership, where you can join a passionate international community of fans, writers, broadcasters, players, and students of the game. Sign up as a SABR member today and begin receiving great benefits, and your certification course discount, immediately. If you would like to proceed with a Non-Member Registration, click here. After purchasing a Non-Member Registration, you will receive email instructions for signing in to view course video modules within one business day of purchase.

Click here to watch a video preview of Level One:

Level Two
Advanced Analytics in Baseball

Level Two provides a deeper study of the key concepts in baseball analytics — hitting, pitching, fielding, and baserunning metrics, park and league adjustments, replacement levels and WAR, as well as projections and economics — helping to develop critical thinking. While Level One provided an introduction to many of the metrics seen and heard in baseball analytics circles, this course will provide learners with a deep understanding of the theory behind these concepts, why they are calculated the way that they are, and how to best apply them considering their relative strengths and weaknesses. The goal of this course is to prepare learners to apply this knowledge and analytical ability to their own research — including the case prompt at the end of the course — and to be equipped for the technical skills introduced in Level Three.

Instructor: Ben Jedlovec is the Senior Director, Baseball Data Platform Product at Major League Baseball, which he joined in 2018. In that role, he leads product and strategy for the Baseball Data team, including the Statcast platform. Prior to joining MLB, he led Sports Info Solutions’ product development and R&D, including Defensive Runs Saved and shift recommendations, with clients including 25 MLB Clubs, ESPN, FanGraphs, and Baseball-Reference. He co-authored two volumes of The Fielding Bible with John Dewan, edited nine editions of the Bill James Handbook, and serves on the SABR Defensive Index committee. He also taught Sabermetrics 101 for five years as an adjunct professor as part of the Economics and Data Science programs at Lehigh University.
Availability: Open to all interested learners via guided on-demand video
Duration: Eleven video modules with a total run time just over three and a half hours, in addition to self-paced quiz work and assigned outside reading
Completion: Level Two course completion requires written a case study which will be reviewed by a Baseball Prospectus staff writer

Cost: $195 for SABR members; $250 for non-members
Learn more: Frequently Asked Questions

SABR MEMBER REGISTRATION:

In addition to the incredible benefits of SABR membership, SABR members receive a significant discount on Analytics Certification course registrations. SABR members can sign up for the Level Two course here. Note: You must be signed into your SABR account to receive your membership discount.

NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION:

Click here to watch a video preview of Level Two:

*COMING SOON*

Level Three
Advanced Baseball Programming (SQL, R, Python)

*COMING SOON*

Level Four
Using Data Science to Create and Replicate Work

Why SABR?

Since 2012, SABR has hosted the annual Analytics Conference to bring together the top minds in the baseball analytics community to discuss, debate, and share insightful ways to analyze and examine the great game of baseball. Now, the organization that originated that ground-breaking annual event has developed the SABR Analytics Certification program, giving learners a year-round opportunity to raise their level of expertise.

SABR has a long and storied history with baseball statistical analysis, evidenced by the link between our name and sabermetrics. SABR’s long history in this area of baseball research, coupled with our mission of advancing the understanding and knowledge of baseball, gives us the distinct pedigree to create and host this program. By obtaining levels of SABR Analytics Certification, you can attach SABR’s name and reputation to your professional and/or personal arsenal.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can benefit from the SABR Analytics Certification?

While advanced courses are geared towards those looking to develop professional and technical skills for a career in baseball operations or player development, Level One (Conversational Analytics and Critical Thinking in Baseball) is open to anyone interested in gaining a fundamental and thorough understanding of baseball analytics including broadcasters and media personnel, amateur and professional players, coaches and scouts, and general baseball fans.
Level Two (Advanced Analytics in Baseball) is a deeper study of key concepts, helping to develop critical thinking for those seeking a career in the baseball industry and preparing to apply this knowledge and analytical ability to their own research, while becoming equipped for the technical skills introduced in Level Three.

Are there set registration dates for each SABR Analytics Certification course?

No, you can register for any of the available online courses at any time.

Who are the instructors?

Level One’s lead instructor is Jake Stone, Director of Operations & Player Development at Penn State University, and creator of Simple Sabermetrics. Follow him on Twitter @SimpleSaberBSB. Level One completion assignment projects will be reviewed by staff writers at Baseball Prospectus.
Level Two is instructed by Ben Jedlovec, Senior Director, Baseball Data Platform Product at Major League Baseball. Level Two completion assignment projects will be reviewed by staff writers at Baseball Prospectus.

How much do the courses cost?

Level One – Conversational Analytics and Critical Thinking in Baseball
- SABR Members – $125
- Non-SABR Members – $180
Level Two – Advanced Analytics in Baseball
- SABR Members – $195
- Non-SABR Members – $250
Each future course will have its own registration fee

How do I sign up for a SABR Membership and receive member discounts on courses?

Become a SABR member HERE and join baseball’s essential community with a wide range of benefits. We offer special membership rates for students and young professionals, as well as monthly, annual, and multi-year options. Once a member, make sure you are signed into your account before registering for a course to receive the membership discount.

Will the written player analysis required to complete Level One and Level Two be graded? Do I need to achieve a certain grade/score to “pass”?

At the conclusion of both Level One and Level Two course programming, you will be instructed to conduct your own written analyses. While those will not be “graded,” you will receive valuable feedback from a Baseball Prospectus staff writer who will critique your submissions and offer guidance on your work. Once you submit the written pieces within the program’s learning management system and view all video modules, you will have completed the courses. We highly suggest saving your written work for your portfolio.

What will I receive upon completion of a SABR Analytics Certification course?

Upon satisfactory completion of all video modules and any assigned projects within a given course, you will receive a digital badge illustrating your accomplishment which we encourage you to share on social media profiles, resumes, and email signatures.

Do SABR Analytics Certification participants receive discounts on attending the SABR Analytics Conference?

Only fully registered SABR Members are eligible for discounts on SABR national events, like the SABR Analytics Conference, next hosted in March 2024.

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